Grace Grows Us

From the lips of children and infants, You, Lord have called forth Your praise

I wasn’t brought up in a Christian home – a home established during the 2nd World War - before I was born. Times were tough - work, money and food were scarce. Those who had lived through the war (most of them probably born during the 1st World War – (that’s two world wars started within 15 years!) – lacked confidence, vision and connection. They carried scars that only time could heal.  Imagine, bringing up children during those years when many women had lost husbands, fathers and brothers. Love was shown through getting by, and not so much talking about feelings with their offspring.

By the time I appeared a daily smack on the leg (whether I needed it or not) was the only form of affection shown. We were fed and schooled with discipline and, guess what, we all survived.

So I’ve come late to the ‘show affection to others’  party. I’m pretty sure God gives new mums a special understanding of sacrificial love. But, nope, I missed out on that too.

BUT GRACE!  Grace is the element/attitude of God’s being which speaks to me the most about relationships – both His and mine, as well as mine and others. 

And you know what? In my retirement years I've been shown grace and love from people all ages and size. We are NEVER too old to learn! 

Does God accept the praise of children?

Recently a photo of Kelly and Hayden's young son Oscar was taken during a Sunday morning worship time. It got me thinking about how children grow by love, example and teaching. From birth they know who to trust by feeling the warmth, love and comfort, firstly from the mother and then quickly from the father. Knowledge and faith in their parents follow. From there, I believe it's just one step to personal faith. If children feel safe in their own environment, they'll learn to feel safe in God's.

Meanwhile Ella has been praying over other peoples 'boo boos" for quite a while.  She lays hands on the boo boo, mutters in a 'meaningful way' something that can't be understood, then finishes with her hands in the air and a loud: "IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS!".  

It really turned heads at her swimming class recently. Does she believe her prayer will be heard? I think so. Does God honour her prayer? You betcha!  

What age can children acknowledge, trust and obey God?

"Through the praise of children and infants you have established (ordained praise) a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."  Psalm 8:2 (NIV)

“But Samuel was ministering before the Lord — a boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.”  1 Samuel 2:18 (NIV)

"And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature in in favour with the Lord and with people." 
1 Samuel 2:26 (NIV)

“The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.” 1 Samuel 3:1 (NIV)

“Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD:  The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to ELI and said, “Here I am, you called me.” 1 Samuel 3:8 (NIV)

“So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening. Then the LORD came  and stood there, calling... Samuel!  Samuel! Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel  3:9-1 (NIV)

Reflections / Food for thought

By Jo Warner